What a wonderful word of assurance from God to His people!!! They were not perfect by any measure of assessment – their failures were abundant! And they had faced His discipline.
BUT… God’s love, grace and faithfulness were dependable! … “You are my servant! I have chosen you and not cast you off! Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God! I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand!” (From Isaiah 41:8–10)
We, His people, like Israel, need to hear Him say this to us!!!
Listen… I served as a pastor for many years. I’ve also served as a denominational leader… EVERY CHURCH HAS THEM – people that “cause division” – teach false doctrine – have their own agenda – and advocate compromising and sensual behavior in the name of “freedom in Christ!…
Here’s how Apostle Paul put it in Romans 16:17-19 “WATCH OUT for those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to sound doctrine! AVOID THEM! These are people who are not serve the Lord Jesus Christ but have their own agenda. People who use smooth talk and flattery to deceive others – especially new Christians and the gullible” (Check it out, see what it says in the version of the Bible you use!)…
On the other hand, here’s Paul’s wise advice for us all: “I WANT YOU TO BE WISE AS TO WHAT IS GOOD AND INNOCENT AS TO WHAT IS EVIL!” Focus on what you KNOW to be true – on what the Bible clearly teaches! Don’t dabble in the questionable, the borderline, or the sensual!!! Resist any teaching or teacher that encourages otherwise!!! Seems like wise advice to me!
Listen… I served as a pastor for many years. I’ve also served as a denominational leader… EVERY CHURCH HAS THEM – people that “cause division” – teach false doctrine – have their own agenda – and advocate compromising and sensual behavior in the name of “freedom in Christ!…
Here’s how Apostle Paul put it in Romans 16:17-19 “WATCH OUT for those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to sound doctrine! AVOID THEM! These are people who are not serve the Lord Jesus Christ but have their own agenda. People who use smooth talk and flattery to deceive others – especially new Christians and the gullible” (Check it out, see what it says in the version of the Bible you use!)…
On the other hand, here’s Paul’s wise advice for us all: “I WANT YOU TO BE WISE AS TO WHAT IS GOOD AND INNOCENT AS TO WHAT IS EVIL!” Focus on what you KNOW to be true – on what the Bible clearly teaches! Don’t dabble in the questionable, the borderline, or the sensual!!! Resist any teaching or teacher that encourages otherwise!!! Seems like wise advice to me!
IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY… A day for sharing love, gratitude, greetings and precious memories. At our house it’s a stack of cards sent to precious family and friends, declared love via social media posts, a special phone call, a held hand, flowers, a shared meal and exchanged gifts. All of it to say how much someone means to you.
When I read Romans 16:1-16 today during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I was reminded of Valentine’s Day! In this passage we have the great apostolic leader, Apostle Paul expressing his personal love and appreciation to dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord in Rome!
Com’on read it – Romans 16:1-16! … And as you read it, don’t hurry! Allow the warmth of Paul’s words about those he knew, loved and served with enrich your heart! This is a very personal passage! Consider each phrase, relish it, and think about those you have served with in the Kingdom of God – how you feel about them… Their faithful service, their hard work, their contributions, how much they mean to you – THEIR LOVE, THEIR FRIENDSHIP!
Wow!!! Right now the names of special people, situations and sacrifices of precious fellow servants of the Lord flood my mind! I’m thanking God for each one of them! Godly good people I love – worthy of honor – worthy of a Valentine’s Day card, letter or call!!! How about you?
Coffee With The Lord 